Senate Compromise Essential as Capitol Hill Negotiations Face Shutdown Deadline

By Jim Mishler | Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said on Wednesday that spending negotiations on Capitol Hill require compromise to avoid another government shutdown.

Ricketts noted that Republicans lack sufficient Senate seats to pass legislation without Democratic support, stating they need 53 Republican votes and additional Democrat backing to reach the required 60. “Given we only have 53 Republicans, securing Democratic votes is essential to advance our Trump-era budgets,” he said.

The Nebraska senator emphasized improving economic conditions in America under current leadership. “Republicans are working to reduce costs, and President Trump has done a great job on that,” Ricketts added. He also highlighted a nearly 20% reduction in the federal deficit due to spending cuts, economic growth, and tariff revenue.

Ricketts acknowledged the challenges ahead: “Most Republicans want to cut spending while Democrats advocate for increases.” Nevertheless, he stressed that compromise is integral to the system, stating it has protected Republican governance when they were in the minority. “This structured process ensures we achieve consensus,” Ricketts said.

The senator attributed much of the increased government spending to former Democratic President Joe Biden’s policies, noting they expanded federal employment from 2.8 million to over 3 million and more than doubled the deficit. “It takes time to unwind these changes,” he added.

Congressional negotiators have until January 30 to pass new budget bills or approve spending extensions to avoid another government shutdown.